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Results of several uncontrolled trials suggest that various lasers and light sources improve acne. Unfortunately, the placebo effect is strong in acne treatment, making controlled studies essential. In this randomized, controlled, split-face clinical trial, 46 patients underwent three treatments, 3 weeks apart, to half the face with a near-infrared laser (CoolTouch II; 1320-nm wavelength). The entire face was pretreated with lidocaine 4% topical anesthetic cream. Participants stopped all acne therapy for 1 month before treatment. Patients were examined at 7 and 14 weeks; 37 had at least one follow-up visit, and 30 patients completed the study. Assessment included lesion counts, global acne severity score rating of photographs, and patient s…